Barnsley heatwave plan gives advice to residents

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Residents in Barnsley are being urged to look after their health during the hot weather as a heatwave plan for the town is launched.

Barnsley’s Health and Social Care Community heatwave plan gives people information on how to protect themselves from heat related illness and what to do to treat any symptoms.

Warm weather can have a big effect on the health of people, especially those aged over 75, babies and young children.

Advice includes drinking lots of cold fluids especially water, keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, sticking to the shade when walking, applying sun cream, wearing a hat, trying not to do lots of physical activity and wearing light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

Coun Jim Andrews, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesman for public health, said: “It’s important for people to be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness so they can take the steps to treat it. Mild symptoms include headaches, dizziness, sickness, rashes and swelling, but these can quickly turn into heatstroke which can cause serious problems to people’s health.”